The war of words between managers can sometimes overshadow games with Arsene Wenger and Rafa Benitez constantly trying to out-do each other in the build-up to the big games in a desperate attempt to gain any kind of advantage.

Sir Alex Ferguson is a seasoned pro in all aspects and there are many reasons as to why the 66-year-old will always have the edge over his rivals:

'There are many attributes to Sir Alex Ferguson that many managers struggle to emulate'


Rafa Benitez - The Spaniard's job security isn’t exactly the best in the league with his position being constantly put under scrutiny. Ferguson is safe in the knowledge that he has the full backing of his board and by the fans and the players, something which Benitez could only wish for.

The added pressure that comes with job uncertainty is something that Ferguson doesn’t have to think about, which can only make him more focused on the task at hand. Benitez is a good manager but in football everything takes its toll in one way or another and when you have the owners of your club warring in public it can't make the task the easiest.

The experience level is a major factor between these two as Benitez’s four years in the Premier League in no way compares to Ferguson’s 22. If Rafa does manage to get his job security from the bickering co-owners then, over time, he will be able to juggle domestic, European and cup competitions, with much more experience.

Arsene Wenger - Like Ferguson, Wenger has that job security and to some degree has achieved great success in his time at Arsenal but still doesn’t compare with Ferguson’s level of success.

Sir Alex has enjoyed unprecedented success at Old Trafford and with that comes the knowledge that he has done it all before and can do it all again. When you’ve won everything once it’s only easier to do it again.

Many people claim that Wenger is the better manager due to his ability to nurture young talent and spend in a much lower bracket than the other clubs in the top four. But you have to be amazed at Ferguson’s ability to be able to build a winning team.

There are many attributes to Sir Alex Ferguson that many managers struggle to emulate. He has everything that makes a great manager, from the arm around the shoulder as well as the expert ruthlessness to deal with the egos of some of the world's top players.

As long as Ferguson is Manchester United boss then he will always have the psychological edge over not only Wenger and Benitez, but all managers he comes into contact with.